Read the passage.

Long ago in the Imperial Court, the emperor fell in love with a certain lady. She was not of a high rank, nor was she of a low rank. The emperor lavished her with much attention, causing other ladies of the court to say hurtful things about her and treat her poorly. These ladies resented her presence in the court and made her feel very unwelcome. Their unkindness caused her to become ill, which in turn kept her at home and away from the court and the emperor. But the emperor’s affection for her only grew and gave him courage to pursue his love despite what others thought.

–Adapted from The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu

Which evidence from the text supports the central idea that people should follow their own hearts?

“She was not of a high rank, nor was she of a low rank.”
“These ladies resented her presence in the court and made her feel very unwelcome.”
“Their unkindness caused her to become ill, which in turn kept her at home and away from the court and the emperor.”
“But the emperor’s affection for her only grew and gave him courage to pursue his love despite what others thought.”

1 answer

The evidence that best supports the central idea that people should follow their own hearts is: “But the emperor’s affection for her only grew and gave him courage to pursue his love despite what others thought.” This sentence highlights the emperor's determination to follow his feelings for the lady, regardless of the negative opinions and treatment from others in the court.